Student activist admits hurling fire extinguisher from roof

Guilty plea: Edward Woollard, 18, arriving at court where he admitted throwing a fire extinguisher from a roof at Tory HQ in protest at tuition fees

A student was today facing jail after he admitted throwing a fire extinguisher from a rooftop during the Millbank riot in central London.

Edward Woollard, 18, from Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, was arrested five days after violent clashes at the building housing the Tory party HQ.

Smartly dressed Woollard confirmed his name and address at City of Westminster magistrates' court. He was accompanied by his mother for the hearing.

Woollard admitted causing violent disorder. His solicitor, Matt Foot, said the defendant would make clear he was very sorry for his actions.

Woollard was one of more than 50 arrested after dozens of people forced their way into the complex of buildings two weeks ago. Windows were smashed, furniture vandalised and missiles flung at police.

Woollard was released on conditional bail by District Judge Caroline Tubbs after a first appearance last Wednesday. Prosecutor Robert Short said the charge was too serious to be sentenced by magistrates. He said it involved the "throwing of a large fire extinguisher from the roof of Millbank Tower towards officers and members of the public below".

He added that although he had not seen the CCTV footage of the incident, the "risk there was considerable".

District judge Evans remanded Woollard on conditional bail before sentencing at Southwark crown court. He order pre-sentence reports to be prepared. The maximum prison sentence for violent disorder is five years.